Ian nodded slowly.

Yes, I should go.

He had finished confirming that the graduates left safely and already gave his farewells to the staff.

Ill see you to the carriage.

Louise spoke with a bright voice, but Ian shook his head slowly.

Why not?

I

He reached out his hand and answered softly.

Ill be the one to escort you.

But the dorm is just right there. You dont have to do that for me.

She pointed with her chin to the dormitory building close by.

I just want to.

Ian reached out his hand again.

Like usual.

His voice contained a note of sadness, as if he were hanging on to one last moment of normal life. Louise offered a faint smile.

Okay.

She took his hand, then tilted her head up at him.

As usual, right?

Yes.

He intertwined their fingers together, one-by-one into a perfect fit. They began to walk down the familiar path together. A few students stared at them, but the pair didnt pay any heed.

Did the dean say anything?

Louise remembered how the deans eyebrows twisted comically when he got up on the podium.

Not really. I heard that thanks to Claires excellent writing, the number of donation inquiries increased.

Wow. I liked Claires speech too.

Claire Iris has a natural aptitude. Shes very astute and can get to the point quickly.

So you wanted to keep her as your worker after graduation?

Its very important to keep good talent. I learned this from you.

From me?

Ian smiled and playfully tugged Louises hand.

No matter how much I like your work, you still belong to the Sweeney greenhouse.

Thats trueI was raised to be the successor since I was little.

Right? The Sweeneys got to you first.

Louise was the Sweeneys only daughter. Ian pouted in regret, and she chuckled.

You also need to find someone you can rely on.

What? To work in the Sweeney greenhouse? But most of the students were from noble families. They werent going to learn how to labor over plants or dirt. Or maybe he meant

Is it because I accepted your marriage proposal?

Yes.

So youre sayingI need a noble by my side?

Louise was probably not the ideal crown princess that many people wanted.

Yes. It will be harder by yourself to juggle the greenhouse and sit by my side.

It sounds daunting.

Louise was worried about their future after their marriage.

As I told you before, there will be obstacles.

Ian stroked her chin with a hand.

If the lady I want says she chooses me.

Louise easily recalled the story he told between spring and summer. His own resolution.

You said youd stay by their side. No matter what you go up against.

Yes. No matter if its the world.

It was interesting. His vow and the seriousness of it had not changed at all. Unlike the days when the same remark gave her anxiety, this time it was reassuring.

Ill do my best to find someone I can trust.

I look forward to it.

As they spoke, they found their way to the front door of the dormitory. Ian didnt part from her yet, so he probably intended to walk her to her room. As usual.

Oh, right. About art history.

Louise was about two or three steps ahead when she looked back at Ian. She had once said that she liked that their eyes were about level at this position.

The class only involved memorization, but it was still a good class. It taught me about appreciation.

Right?

I think it will be a great help in selecting an artist to display their paintings at the party next semester.

Anything you learn can be useful. On that note, take another class from Professor Hewitt next semester. Its really great.

Ugh.

Whats wrong?

I have a history of destroying his principles. He must hate me even more.

Louise remembered the professors small snowman. Ian let out a laugh as he remembered that day where they pelted each other with snowballs.

Theres nothing to worry about. We set up grand principles to replace it.

The three of us.

And the professors not the type to change your grades in revenge for a little snowman.

Welltrue.

Professor Hewitt may be scary, but he was fair.

Of course, he might take a small revenge in class.

.

His class is still worth it.

And what other classes did you like?

Ian told her about the classes he had taken. During their non-stop conversation, the pair climbed the stairs, passed the darkened hallway, before finally arriving in front of Louises room.

The two of them stood face-to-face in front of the door for a moment. Perhaps they were both thinking the same thing. They had arrived so quickly, but they knew the journey from outside to the room wasnt that far.

Louise recalled how she usually said goodbye to Ian. It would be something simple, like Go and get some rest, too or Good night. The habits were deeply ingrained in her, and she had a strong desire to follow them through. Her mouth twitched in a smile and she looked up.

Then.

Her voice trembled. She shut her mouth. They stared at each other for a long time, until Ian lifted his hand.

Tuk.

It touched her the crown of her head, before sliding down her soft golden locks, then turning around her ear until his fingertips reached her chin. After a moments consideration, he gently lifted her chin to face him. Perhaps he thought it was better to look into each others eyes when saying goodbye. Besides, he said they would do it as usual.

Good night.

Be careful not to kick off your blanket in your sleep.

A-alright.

Louises expression was heavy.

No matter how much of a hurry youre in, remember to wear your coat. Your gloves and scarf too. When removing snow, wear fur boots.

I know.

I think Simon always says this to you, but dont eat too much cold food in the summer.

I know that.

Its not just about knowing. Its important to do it too.

Ill do it.

Good.

He gently stroked Louises cheek, and her expression softened.

Youve had a busy day. You should get some rest now.

Areare you going now?

Yes. Every graduates residence is terminated at midnight.

There was still a long time before then, Louise wanted to say, but she remembered that his grandmother and Hesse were waiting for him.

She looked at their hands. Would it better to say goodbye while they were still holding them? If they gave their farewells and then let go, they might find it difficult because they wouldnt know what to say afterwards.

Louise loosened her grip between their intertwined hands, and the winter chill crept between the gaps. He didnt pull her back, and so their hands naturally fell away. She clasped the hand that was still holding on to her chin. In the futurewould they remember this moment they were alone together?

Loneliness welled up inside of Louise, but she pushed it away. It was not the time to drag this out, not when there were people waiting outside for Ian. Louise paused when a few students passed by, and when they were gone she looked into Ians eyes.

Thank you.

She stepped back reluctantly.

For bringing me here.

It was nothing.

And for all the work that youve done, and staying by my side.

It was my privilege.

You believed my weird story.

It wasnt weird. It was just upsetting that you went through it all alone.

A soft smile spread on Louises face at his compassionate answer.

You favored me, Your Highness.

Yes.

Ian nodded to her again.

I favor you. Very much.

Louise stored away his words and the sound of his voice in her memory. Perhaps in one lonely day, she could take it out secretly.

Once she committed it memory, she realized that their time together was about to end. He had thanked her, and she had given her answer. Now there was only one thing left for her to say.

Go.